The Architect Is In: A Tiny Live/Work Loft Made Large

Is it possible for a couple to live and work together harmoniously in 650 square feet? This week Robert Garneau of Studio Garneau (the firm is a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory) takes us through intelligent urban living in his design of a small apartment in New York's neighborhood of Chelsea. For the next 48 hours, Garneau is available to answer your queries; leave your questions in the comments section below. Whatever the budget, every urbanite grapples with not having enough space. With a few sleights of hand and some hard-working hardware, Garneau plays magician, seeming to pull living and storage space out of nowhere effortlessly, transforming a 650-square-foot studio into a one-bedroom live/work apartment for a couple who run their office from home. Beware—when you’re not looking, he may just transform it back again. Above: A sliding wall hides the bedroom beyond and reveals built-in storage and bookshelves (instantly transforming the studio apartment into a one-bedroom apartment). Above: Once the sliding wall is pulled back, the bookshelf is hidden and the one-bedroom apartment becomes an open studio space. Above: Another view of the loft with the sliding walls pulled back, revealing an open reading of the space. Above: Every opportunity for storage has been used, including drawers under the couch. Above: In the kitchen area, Garneau designed a table which can be adjusted to three heights for three functions; kitchen island (shown above), dining table, and work surface. Above: The table has been adjusted to work surface height. All office equipment is stored in the white cabinet to the side of the table. Above: A Murphy bed pulls down to reveal a niche lined in walnut veneer that acts as a headboard. Above: Night stands have been built into the headboard niche. The walnut veneer on the door is an aesthetically unifying detail. Above: The sliding wall is pulled back and the Murphy bed has been stored away. Beyond the wall with the painting is the dressing area and bathroom. Above: A floor-to-ceiling closet is located on one side of the dressing area. Above L. Garneau creates a shallow dresser for storing folded clothes. Above R: Storage niches are carved into the bathroom walls. Above: The factory-style windows are typical of the industrial buildings in the neighborhood. Above: Every inch of available space has been turned over to storage in the bathroom. Above: The architect as magician. N.B. Looking for more small apartment inspiration? See 244 images of Small Apartments in our Gallery of rooms and spaces.